Biofeedback-Assisted Control of Peripheral Skin Temperature: A Methodological Study

Abstract

To maximize the production and detection of training effects in biofeedback-assisted control of peripheral skin temperature, this study incorporated these methodological features: (a) differential feedback between dominant and nondominant hands, (b) monetary incentives, (c) within-subjects manipulation of training direction and multiple-training sessions, (d) graphic-based visual feedback, and (e) no-feedback self-control periods. Eight male subjects participated in eight sessions each consisting of adaptation (22 min.), bidirectional self-control (10 min.), and bidirectional feedback training (35 min.). Mean differential temperature changes were significantly different for increase and decrease conditions, but the magnitude of control did not change over sessions. Differential feedback control was of small magnitude and tended to be accomplished by decreasing both hands at different rates; self-control did not develop during the course of training. This methodology did not produce large-magnitude feedback, or self-control, but differential feedback is recommended for further study as an experimental paradigm.